New patent could reduce life-threatening bleeding during surgery
In his research, Knut Fälker, a senior lecturer in biomedicine, discovered a method to reduce the risk of serious events in patients undergoing surgery who are treated with platelet-inhibiting drugs. His company, Neericor, has now been granted a European patent for this treatment.
Patients treated with platelet-inhibiting drugs are at risk of serious bleeding during surgery. Neericor, a research company affiliated with Örebro University, has now been granted a European patent for a breakthrough that could make surgery safer for these patients.
“Our goal is to stop bleeding in situations where current treatments are insufficient. This could be of major significance for patients requiring emergency surgery,” says Knut Fälker, co-founder and CEO of Neericor and senior lecturer in biomedicine at Örebro University.
Neericor is developing haemostatic patches designed to promote blood clotting. The solution is aimed specifically at patients being treated with antiplatelet drugs, for example, following a heart attack or stroke, who are in urgent need of surgery.
A European patent enhances the prospects of developing the technology from research through to clinical care.
“An approved patent affirms the uniqueness of our innovation and facilitates the ongoing development and validation of the product in collaboration with other stakeholders,” says Knut Fälker.
A long journey from research to innovation
Research into the solution has been ongoing for several years and has been conducted by researchers and clinicians alongside their regular work.
Support from Örebro University's innovation environment has been pivotal.
“Örebro’s Innovation Office has played a key role by providing expertise in patenting, market analysis and business development.”
Neericor has received funding from Vinnova, Inkubera, Almi, Region Örebro Country, and Örebro University Holding, now one of the principal owners.
Next step: testing
Together with international industry partners, the company has developed prototypes that are now being tested in a laboratory.
A corresponding patent is also under examination in the US.
“The next step is to continue testing, validating and developing the solution so that it can benefit patients,” explains Knut Fälker.
Text: Jesper Eriksson
Photo: Jesper Eriksson